Freeze protection through volume donation

ABSTRACT

Devices, systems and methods to prevent damage to power and communication conductors located in cold occurring regions, with an elongated cylindrical tubular assembly of closed cell foam within a braided/woven layer that can be sealed to provide longitudinal strength and a snag resistant durable and flexible outer coating. The assembly along with communication and power lines is pulled through new power and communication ducts and conduits and in retrofitting existing power and communication ducts, so that the assembly reduces the volume spacing in the ducts/conduits that can be damaged by water intrusion which expands during freeze conditions.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 17/320,337 filed May 14, 2021, now allowed, which isincorporated by reference in its' entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to freeze damage protection of power andcommunication ducts and conduits, and in particular to devices, systemsand methods to prevent damage to power and communication conductorslocated in cold occurring regions, with an elongated cylindrical tubularassembly of an elongated cylindrical tubular assembly of closed cellfoam within a braided or woven layer that can be sealed to providelongitudinal strength and a snag resistant durable and flexible outercoating, along with communication and power lines which are both pulledthrough new ducts and conduits, in order to reduce the volume spacing inthe ducts/conduits that can be damaged by water intrusion which expandsduring freeze conditions wherein the assembly is pulled through newpower and communication ducts and conduits and in retrofitting existingpower and communication ducts, wherein the assembly reduces the volumespacing in the ducts/conduits that can be damaged by water intrusionwhich expands during freeze conditions.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

Pressures exerted by the expansion of freezing water within duct orconduit installations and their associated vaults or enclosures can beextreme. These pressures have been calculated to reach upward of 60,000psi, which is equivalent to the pressures commonly encountered in largecaliber rifle chambers when firing a cartridge.

Utilities in northern temperate, sub-arctic and arctic regions such asthe northern contiguous United States, Canada and Alaska (and othersimilar regions worldwide) have tried for many years to devisetechniques to prevent damage to power and communication conductors andequipment that are installed within duct/vault systems.

Generally, conductors are installed in conduits or duct systems formechanical protection from the environment. Ducts and conduits allow forpossible replacement after a conductor failure when the ground is frozenor without disturbing the surface area above the duct or conduit.Conductors installed in underground ducts are generally classified asbeing installed in wet locations. However, electrical rigid metalconduits do not have tapered threads and when installed, are notwatertight.

While the air pressure within installed conduits and ducts is basically0 psi gauge, ground water pressure is always higher. Water will force inthrough couplings, expansion joints or other duct connections. Wateralso enters ducts, vaults or enclosures by infiltration or flooding fromthe surface or will flood in or infiltrate through the open conduitends. Once in the conduit or duct system, water fills the voids betweenthe conductors within the conduit.

During winter months surrounding ground freezes down to or beyond adepth of 6 to 7 feet depending upon geographic location. Conduits aretypically placed from 24 to 42 inches below grade, which is well withinthe freeze depth. As the ground freezes around the conduit, it forms alayer of frozen soil around the conduit that can approach the strengthof concrete. As the ground continues to freeze, the water at the endsand inside the conduit also starts to freeze, capturing liquid water inthe conduit.

As water continues to freeze in these confined spaces, the pressureincreases due to the expansion of water as it changes to ice. If theconduit/duct is above ground, the conduit will rupture from the highpressure. When the conduit is in frozen ground the strength of theconduit is greatly increased by the surrounding frozen earth whichallows the pressure inside the conduit to reach extremely highpressures. As these high pressures increase, the pressure is applied tothe conductors, which causes deformation and failure of the conductorinsulation. Driven by increasing pressure, expanding ice (which isbonded to the conductor insulation) attempts to flow along the duct orconduit seeking the necessary volume dictated by its change of statefrom water to ice. At typical pressure, that necessary additional volumecan only be found at the conduit or duct ends of the installed system,which results in insulation and/or conductor failure.

Some techniques have been attempted to protect conductors in conduits orducts located within frozen ground or free air from damage caused by theexpanding frozen water. These techniques range from keeping the waterout, using heat and other chemicals, and displacing the water withanother material.

Attempting to keep the water out is commonly called the submarineapproach. Keeping water out of a conduit system can be extremelydifficult unless all water entry points are sealed and continuousmaintenance methods are strictly assured and enforced. However,couplings on rigid metal conduits are not sealed and allow water entryfrom the elevated water pressure that exists around a buried conduit.

Additionally, above ground ducts/conduit systems also tend to retain allinfiltrated water. The most common way to avoid standing water inconduits is grading, where the conduit is sloped to a drain point.However, in areas of high water table, the drain point allows water toflow back in the conduit/duct from the intended drain point. The layoutof the conduit/duct can also interfere with draining when there areelbows or fittings that are intended to provide a continuous enclosedpath from buried depth to the surface. Additionally, storming conditionsor flooding can allow water to enter conduits/ducts from their endpoints.

Keeping the water out through the use of heat or chemicals is also notpractical and does not work. Heat and chemicals are expensive and oftenimpractical or wasteful. Chemicals can be added to the conduit tosuppress the freezing point of the water, similar to anti-freeze.However, chemicals must be approved for use with the conductorinsulation and monitored against dilution over time must be assured.Further, with heated ducts/conduits temperatures must be controlled andmonitored to prevent insulation damage and allow the full capacity ofthe conductor to be achieved.

Displacing the freezing water with another material, such as expanded orblown in beaded foam, has been tried. Expanding foam tends to expandaround the conductors and will prevent the change out of the conductorfollowing a failure. Beaded foam will displace the water but will notwithstand flowing water which can occur in a conduit/duct.

The subject coinventors are the inventors of patent application Ser. No.15/160,344 filed May 20, 2016, titled: FREEZE PROTECTION THROUGH VOLUMEDONATION, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,733,446 on Aug. 15, 2017,which is incorporated by reference in its' entirety.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,733,446 required the use of a pull cord through themiddle of an elongated foam core. Molding a foam core about a pull cordline is difficult and expensive to manufacture, and further difficult touse in the field.

Thus, the need exists for solutions to the above problems with the priorart.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A primary objective of the present invention is to provide devices,systems and methods to prevent damage to power and communicationconductors located in cold occurring regions, with an elongatedcylindrical tubular assembly of closed cell foam within a braided orwoven layer that can be sealed to provide longitudinal strength and asnag resistant durable and flexible outer coating along withcommunication and power lines which are pulled through new ducts andconduits, in order to reduce the volume spacing in the ducts/conduitsthat can be damaged by water intrusion which expands during freezeconditions.

A secondary objective of the present invention is to provide devices,systems and methods to prevent damage to power and communicationconductors located in cold occurring regions, with an elongatedcylindrical tubular assembly of closed cell foam within a braided layer,wherein the assembly along with power and communication lines is pulledthrough the retrofitting of existing power and communication ducts, sothat the assembly reduces the volume spacing in the ducts/conduits thatcan be damaged by water intrusion which expands during freezeconditions.

A third objective of the present invention is to provide devices,systems and methods to provide a simple and inexpensive method of freezedamage protection and to avoid outages and repair costs as well asreducing the increased costs required for spare or redundant ductadditions to assure reliability for power and communication conductorslocated in cold occurring regions. Increased reliability bringsincreased health and safety benefits where communication infrastructurefailures can isolate and delay emergency responders. In extreme coldseasons power infrastructure failures can interrupt heat sources thatcan lead to a freeze up of a home within eight hours, or disruptbusinesses, traffic control lights and other processes that rely on areliable electric supply.

A system for preventing freeze damage in power and communication ductsand conduits, can include at least one an elongated cylindrical tubularassembly of closed cell foam within a braided layer and can include apull eye at one or both ends, adjacent to at least one conductive cablewithin a sleeve with a pull end, and a cable puller for pulling the endsof both the at least one elongated closed cell foam core within abraided layer, and at least one conductive cable within a sleeve throughconduit, wherein at least one elongated closed cell foam within anelongated cylindrical tubular assembly of closed cell foam within abraided layer reduces volume spacing in the conduit that is subject tobeing damaged by water intrusion which expands during freeze conditions.

The conduit can be a new communication and power conduit to be installedin regions subject to freeze conditions.

The conduit can be an existing communication and power conduit to beretrofitted in regions subject to freeze conditions.

The conductive cable in the sleeve can include a power cable. Theconductive cable in the sleeve can include a communications cable. Theconductive cable in the sleeve can include metal conductors. Theconductive cable in the sleeve can include optical fibers.

The closed cell foam can include a compressive material within a braidedouter layer, and can include an end forming a pull end.

The braided layer can be impregnated with a durable and flexible outercoating can include a non-water absorbing material that bonds with thebraid to provide a snag resistant and abrasion resistant outer layer ifneeded to augment the performance of the core compressible material.

The cable puller can include a pulley.

Further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent fromthe following detailed description of the presently preferredembodiments which are illustrated schematically in the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord withthe present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations.In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similarelements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a Volume Donating Compressible Filler(VDCF) device of an elongated core of closed cell foam within a braidedlayer which can have a sealer impregnated in the braided layer, within apartially exposed side.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the VDCF device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a wrapped loop end of the elongated coreof closed cell foam within a braided layer which can have a sealerimpregnated in the braided layer of FIG. 1, with the wrapped loop endforming a pull end.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another pull end formed at one end ofthe elongated core of closed cell foam within a braided layer which canhave a sealer impregnated in the braided layer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of plural VDCF devices of FIG. 3 adjacentto either communication or power conductor cables.

FIG. 6 is a front cutaway view of a conduit/duct at the bottom of afreshly excavated trench.

FIG. 7A is a side perspective view of the VDCF devices andcommunication/power conductor cables from FIG. 3 with protruding endsprotruding out from the conduit/duct of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7B is another side perspective view of the VDCF devices andcommunication/power conductor cables from FIG. 3 with protruding endsprotruding out from the conduit/duct of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the VDCF devices and conductor cables ofFIG. 5, 7A, 7B being pulled through the conduit/duct.

FIG. 9 is cross-sectional view of the installed VDCF devices andcommunication/power conductor cables installed in the conduit/duct ofFIG. 8 surrounded by water inside of the conduit/duct.

FIG. 10 is another cross-sectional view of the installed VDCF devicesand communication/power conductor cables installed in the conduit/ductof FIG. 8 with water in and around the conduit/duct that is now frozento expand against and compress the VDCF devices.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention indetail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in itsapplications to the details of the particular arrangements shown sincethe invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminologyused herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

In the Summary above and in the Detailed Description of Preferred

Embodiments and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made toparticular features (including method steps) of the invention. It is tobe understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specificationdoes not include all possible combinations of such particular features.For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of aparticular aspect or embodiment of the invention, that feature can alsobe used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in thecontext of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention,and in the invention generally.

In this section, some embodiments of the invention will be describedmore fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in whichpreferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may,however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construedas limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete, and will convey the scope of the invention to those skilled inthe art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and primenotation is used to indicate similar elements in alternativeembodiments.

Other technical advantages may become readily apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art after review of the following figures anddescription.

It should be understood at the outset that, although exemplaryembodiments are illustrated in the figures and described below, theprinciples of the present disclosure may be implemented using any numberof techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosureshould in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations andtechniques illustrated in the drawings and described below.

Unless otherwise specifically noted, articles depicted in the drawingsare not necessarily drawn to scale.

The subject application is an improvement over the co-inventors'previous patent application Ser. No. 15/160,344 filed May 20, 216,titled: FREEZE PROTECTION THROUGH VOLUME DONATION, which issued as U.S.Pat. No. 9,733,446 on Aug. 15, 2017, which is incorporated by referencein its' entirety. A list of components will now be described.

-   1. VDCF device(s)-   20 non-conductive durable and flexible braided/woven layer-   10 compressible material, such as closed cell foam-   25 sealer impregnated in the fibers of the braided/woven layer-   30 folded loop end-   35 Heat shrink wrap band-   40 loop pull ends-   45 tape wrap-   50 communication/power cables/conductors in cover sleeve 51    conductors, including metal conductors or optical fibers-   55 cover sleeve for communication/power cables/conductors-   54 clamp on cable pulling grip ends-   56 pull line loop (pulling eye)-   57 cable pulling grip ends-   60 conduit/duct-   70 trench-   75T thawed backfill-   75F frozen backfill-   120 pulleys-   W water-   FW frozen water or ice

The invention allows for water to enter and remain within theconduit/duct in the presence of a compressible material originallyinstalled with the conductors. The compressible material is sized toprovide adequate water-to-ice volume donation within the duct/conduit(approximately 20% to approximately 25% of void space). This volumedonation by the inert, non-conductive and compressible materialinexpensively provides duct/conduit/vault freeze protection by donatingall necessary volume through soft material compression. With thenecessary volume donation available, conduit/duct/vault pressure remainsstatic and damage is prevented during the freeze cycle.

In March 2021 a test of VDCF was conducted using three sections 15 kV#1/0 awg aluminum conductor jacketed concentric neutral cables and threesections of ⅝″ VDCF installed in a 3″ PVC conduit. The samples were cutto match the length of the conduit which had threaded fittings on eachend.

One conduit end fitting was installed and the cables and VDCF sectionswere installed in the conduit. Water was poured around the cable andVDCF until full and the second end cap was installed.

The sample was placed outdoors in below freezing temperatures whichranged from 28° F. to −20° F. for about a month. Placing the cables andVDCF in a sealed conduit provided a valid test of the compressibility ofthe VDCF and its ability to maintain low hydraulic pressures during thefreeze cycle, as the PVC pipe did not rupture. As the ice melted theVDCF rebounded to its original round shape, ready for another cycle.

In the event of a conductor failure in the conduit/duct system,(presumably by other causes not related to freezing) the entire cableassembly including the interstitial compression material can be removedfrom the conduit and reinstalled without replacement or modification ofthe conduit/duct system.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a Volume Donating Compressible Filler(VDCF) device 1 of an elongated core of closed cell foam 10 within abraided or woven layer 20 and impregnated non-conductive durable andflexible sealer coating 25, within a partially exposed side. FIG. 2 is across-sectional view of the VDCF device 1 of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, the VDCF device 1 can include an elongatedcylindrical tubular assembly of closed cell foam 10 within a braidedlayer 20 and impregnated non-conductive durable and flexible sealercoating 25.

The braided layer 20 can be formed from polyester strands/threadswoven/braided into an exterior layer 20 over a solid elongated foam coreof closed cell foam 10. Such a braided layer 20 over a closed cell foamcore 10, can include the assemblies shown and described in U.S. Pat. No.4,593,599 to Yeardley; U.S. Pat. No. 6,085,628 to Street et al.; andU.S. Pat. No. 8,197,074 to Hurwitz, which are each incorporated byreference in their entirety.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a wrapped loop end of the VDCF devices 1that include an elongated core of closed cell foam 10 within a braidedlayer 20 and impregnated non-conductive durable and flexible sealercoating 25 of FIG. 1-FIG. 2, with the folded end forming a loop end 30by heat shrink band 35 therein forming a pull end.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another pull end 40 formed at one end ofthe VDCF devices of FIG that include the elongated core of closed cellfoam 10 within a braided layer 20 and impregnated non-conductive durableand flexible sealer coating 25 of FIG. 1-FIG. 2. Loop pull ends 40 areattached to ends of the braded/woven layer 10 with a wrapped tape 45.

Wrapped tape 45 refers to a piece of electrical tape that can be used totemporarily hold the stranding in place during the formation of theloops.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of plural VDCF devices 1 of FIG. 1-2adjacent to communication and power conductor cables 50. Eachcommunication/power cable 1 can include a cover sleeve 55 aboutconductors 1, that can include metal conductors, optical fibers, and thelike.

FIG. 6 is a front cutaway view of a conduit/duct 60 at the bottom of afreshly excavated trench 70.

FIG. 7A is a side perspective view of the VDCF devices 1 andcommunication/power conductor cables 50 with crimped ends 54 and loopends 56 protruding out from the conduit/duct 60 of FIG. 6.

Cable 50 can include a jacket 55 about a conductor 51 (not shown) havingends forming cable pulling grip ends 57 that are attached into a clamp54, having a pull line loop 56 extending therefrom forming a pullingeye. This type of configuration can include cable pulling grips 57, suchas those shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 1,802,657 to Kellems; U.S.Pat. No. 3,122,806 to Lewis; U.S. Pat. No. 3,672,006 to Fidrych; U.S.Pat. No. 4,368,910 to Fidrych; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,507 to Fallon,which are all incorporated by reference in their entirety.

While a cable pulling technique is shown in FIG. 7A and described above,other cable pulling techniques can be used.

While a cable pulling technique is shown in FIG. 7A and described above,other cable pulling techniques can be used.

FIG. 7B is another side perspective view of the VDCF devices 1 andcommunication/power conductor cables 50 with protruding ends protrudingout from the conduit/duct 60 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the VDCF devices 1 and conductor cables50 of FIG. 5, 7A, 7B being pulled through the conduit/duct 60 by apulley system 120 that can include mechanical rotatable pulleys and thelike.

FIG. 9 is cross-sectional view of the installed VDCF devices 1 andcommunication/power conductor cables 50 installed in the conduit/duct ofFIG. 8 surrounded by water W inside of the conduit/duct 60.

FIG. 10 is another cross-sectional view of the installed VDCF devices 1and communication/power conductor cables 50 installed in theconduit/duct 60 of FIG. 8 with water in and around the conduit/duct hatis now frozen FW to expand against and compress the VDCF 1 devices.

A method of installing the novel VDCF devices 1 along with the power andcommunication cables 50 will now be described in reference to FIGS.1-10.

Installation Method Steps:

The following installation method steps allow for installation of belowgrade conduits/ducts and subsequent installation of conductors withinthat conduit.

-   -   1. Excavate the trench for the conduit/duct.    -   2. Assemble sections of the conduit/duct.    -   3. Place the assembled conduit/duct into the trench.    -   4. Backfill and compact the conduit/duct with excavated or        select materials as appropriate for local conditions.    -   5. Pig the conduit to remove debris.    -   6. Blow in a small pull line.    -   7. Use the small pull line to pull in a full tension pull rope.    -   8. Place conductor spools on rollers, one per conductor and one        for each compressible volume donator run.    -   9. Connect all conductors and each compressible volume donator        run to the pulling head or full tension pull rope.    -   10. While slowly pulling the full tension rope, bundle the        conductors and compressible volume donating material into an        assembly and feed the complete assembly into the throat of the        conduit.    -   11. Conductor lubricants may be used to reduce pulling tension        as is typical or as required.    -   12. Continue pulling the assembly into the conduit/duct until        the full tension pull rope and adequate conductors and volume        donating material is clear of the installed conduit end with        adequate lengths as required for connections.    -   13. Disconnect the full tension pull rope.    -   14. Terminate the conductors

An exemplary conduit freezing filler calculation is shown below.

Table 1 shows the inside diameter (ID) of several common sizes ofSchedule 40 rigid metal conduit. For the following example a 3 inchrigid metal conduit with an ID of 3.068 inches is selected to hold thethree 15 kilovolt 1/0 awg aluminum conductor concentric neutral cablesthat each have an outside diameter (OD) of 1.125 inches. The ⅝ inch VDCFwas selected from Table 2 with an external braided layer. The area ofthe braided layer is subtracted from the area of the ⅝ inch VDCF toyield an effective compressive area for each VDCF of 0.3068 squareinches.

The area of the conduit (ID=3.068″) is computed to be 7.3927 squareinches. Subtracting the three cables (OD=1.125″) having a total area of2.9821 square inches and the three VDCF (ID=0.699″) that have a totalarea of 1.1505 square inches, yields a remaining potential water area of3.2601 square inches.

Using the 9.399% expansion coefficient of water on the 3.2601 squareinch potential water area yields a required water expansion area of0.3064 square inches. Using the compressive area for ⅝″ VDCF from Table2 of 0.3068 square inches, each, yields a total compressive area of thethree VDCF of 0.9204 square inches. Dividing the water expansion area of0.3064 square inches by the total VDCF compressive area of 0.9204 squareinches yields 0.3329 or 33.29% compression, which is within therecommended 50% compression for this material and will allow for reboundwhen the ice melts.

Conduit(Schedule 40 Area ID″ 3.068 7.3927 sq. in. Conductors Total OD″ 31.125 2.9821 sq. in. Filler Total OD″ Compress Area 3 0.699″ 1.1505 sq.in. Total Water Area 3.2601 sq. in. Ice Expansion Percentage 9.399% IceExpansion Area 0.3064 sq. in. VDCF Compression Area 3 × 0.3064 sq.in.0.9204 sq. in. Percent Compression of Filler 33.29% (50% maximum)

TABLE 1 Inside diameter (ID) of several common sizes of Schedule 40rigid metal conduit. Table Size ID Sched. 40 ½ 0.622 ¾ 0.824 1 1.049 1 &¼ 1.380 1 & ½ 1.610 2 2.067 2 & ½ 2.469 3 3.068 3 & ½ 3.548 4 4.026 55.047 6 6.065Table 1 shows the different inside diameters of a range of rigid metalconduits. Generally, the larger the cables or an increased number ofcables will require a larger conduit. The maximum conduit fill islimited as a result of several factors in the electrical codes.

TABLE 2 Effective Compression Areas (square inches) for 5/8 filler.Compressible Filler OD over Braid Area ⅝ 0.699″ 0.3068 sq. in.

The VDCF can be made from a material that is non-conductive, non-waterabsorbing, compressible and abrasion resistant. The size may vary fromlarge to small depending on the application. As a practical matter thenumber of VDCF should be limited for ease of installation and thecompression should be limited to a level that will allow for readyrebound to the original size upon thawing of the surrounding ice. Forthe example, three VDCF were installed with a compression of less than50%.

The number of VDCF sizes may be held to a minimum to help controlinventory costs, but can have a diameter that will typically range fromapproximately ⅜″ to approximately 1¼″.

Alternative Materials for the core filler are described below:

COMPRESSIBLE CORE FILLER—

-   -   First Tier Closed Cell Foam:        -   NOMACO HBR Closed-cell foam Backer Rod        -   DESCRIPTION        -   Round, flexible, continuous lengths of extruded, closed-cell            Polyethylene foam backer rod for use as a backing material            for elastomeric and other cold applied sealants.        -   Sizes 1/8″, ¼″, ⅜″, ½″, ⅝″, 3/1″ ⅞″, 1″, 1¼″        -   CERAMAR®        -   DESCRIPTION        -   CERAMAR is a flexible foam expansion joint filler composed            of a unique synthetic foam of isomeric polymers in a very            small, closed-cell structure. Gray in color, CERAMAR is a            lightweight, flexible, highly resilient material offering            recovery qualities of over 99%. The compact, closed-cell            structure will absorb almost no water.        -   Neoprene®        -   DESCRIPTION        -   Neoprene rubber foam, renowned for its ability to be soft            and flexible, but still durable and flexible and reliable.            It is highly resistant to many hazards, including ozone,            sunlight, and oxidation, as well as many chemicals and            water.    -   Second Tier Materials        -   Latex Rubber Based Tubing (Surgical Tubing)        -   Latex rubber tubing has many of the required properties, but            is limited in its effectiveness as there is only one cell,            the void in the inside of the tubing. A single breach of the            tubing will compromise the entire installation.

Examples of the Braided Layer are Described Below—

The Braided/woven layer are created by braiding together fibers into atube-like braid. Polypropylene and nylon are the two most common formsof material used.

Examples of the Sealer/Coating are Described Below—

The braided/woven layer is run through a bath of a water-based urethanein either a 50% or 100% strength which is impregnated into the outerpolyester braid to reduce snagging, provide abrasion resistance andprovide the pulling strength necessary during installation.

Table 3 is a list of non-natural materials for use as the syntheticfibers in the woven and braided layer.

TABLE 3 SYNTHETIC MATERIALS Polypropylene Nylon Polyesters PolyethylenePolyolefin Aramids Acrylics Rayon Polyamide Polyacrylonitrile PolyvinylAlcohol Polyvinyl Chloride Polyvinylidene Chloride Polyurethane Teflon(polytetrafluoroethylene) Polyaramids PEEK (polyether ether ketone)Polyvinylidene Fluoride Other synthetic fibers

The synthetic fibers can include but are not limited to those describedin U.S. Pat. No. 10,100,462 to Kikuchi et al. and U.S. Pat. No.6,398,190 to Shulong, which are incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

Table 4 is a list of natural materials that can be used as the fibers inthe woven and braided layer.

TABLE 4 NATURAL MATERIALS Hemp Cotton Linen Silk Jute Sisal Othernatural fibers

The materials forming the fibers in Table 4 will need a sealer/coatingto be used as the actual woven and braided layer.

Table 5 is a list of sealer and coating materials that can be used asthe sealer/coating for the natural materials referenced in Table 4.

TABLE 5 SEALER/COATING MATERIALS Polyurethane, water based Polyurethane,non-water based Urethane Elastomers Vinyl Silicone Rubber Acrylic EpoxyResins Plastic Latex Paraffins Plastic compounds Rubber compoundsStyrofoam Tar

Other available extruded, brushed, rolled, dipped or sprayedsealing/coating materials, and combinations thereof.

While the above describes examples of attaching pull lines to the pullends of the VCDF device 1, other techniques can be used to attach to theends of the VCDF devices.

A simple knot could be effectively used for short runs and tape can beused for very short runs where the cable could be pushed through theconduit without the need of an eye.

Although specific advantages have been enumerated above, variousembodiments may include some, none, or all of the enumerated advantages.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems,apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from thescope of the disclosure. For example, the components of the systems andapparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations ofthe systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more,fewer, or other components and the methods described may include more,fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in anysuitable order. As used in this document, “each” refers to each memberof a set or each member of a subset of a set.

To aid the Patent Office and any readers of any patent issued on thisapplication in interpreting the claims appended hereto, applicants wishto note that they do not intend any of the appended claims or claimelements to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the words “means for” or“step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim.

All numerical values referenced above, can be prefixed by the term“approximately.” The term “approximately” is similar to the term “about”and can be +/−10% of the amount referenced. Additionally, preferredamounts and ranges can include the amounts and ranges referenced withoutthe prefix of being approximately.

While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shownin various terms of certain embodiments or modifications which it haspresumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be,nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such othermodifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings hereinare particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth andscope of the claims here appended.

We claim:
 1. A system for preventing freeze damage in power andcommunication ducts and conduits, comprising: at least one volumedonating compressible filler (VDCF) device, each VDCF device consistingof at least one elongated cylindrical tubular assembly of closed cellfoam within a non-conducting and non-water absorbing braided and wovenlayer that can be sealed to provide longitudinal strength and a snagresistant durable and flexible outer coating, and a pull end, thenon-conducting and non-water absorbing outer braided and woven layerbeing selected from a synthetic fiber and a naturally made fiber; atleast one conductive cable within a sleeve, each cable having a pullend, being placed side by side with each conductive cable within asleeve; and a cable puller for pulling each pull end of each VDCF deviceand each pull end of each conductive cable within the sleeve through aconduit, that is subject to being damaged by water intrusion whichexpands during freeze conditions.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein thenon-conducting and non water absorbing braided and woven layer is asynthetic fiber.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the synthetic fiberis selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, nylon,polyester, polyethylene, polyolefin, aramids, acrylics, rayon,polyamide, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride,polyvinylidene chloride, polyurethane, Teflon (polytetraflouroethylene),polyaramid, PEEK (polyether ether ketone), and polyvinylidene fluoride.4. The system of claim 1, wherein the non-conducting and non waterabsorbing braided and woven layer is a natural fiber selected from thegroup consisting of hemp, cotton, linen, jute, sisal and silk.
 5. Thesystem of claim 4, further comprising: a water sealing and coating layerselected from the group consisting of: non-water based polyurethane,water-based polyurethane, urethane, elastomers, vinyl, silicone rubber,acrylic, epoxy, resins, plastic, latex, paraffins, rubber, Styrofoam,tar and combinations thereof.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein theconductive cable in the sleeve is selected from a power cable, acommunications cable, metal conductors and optical fibers.
 7. The systemof claim 1, wherein the durable and flexible outer coating includes: anon-water absorbing material that is abrasion resistant to augmentperformance of the braided or woven layer and core compressiblematerial.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the cable puller includes apulley.
 9. A method for preventing damage to communication and powercables during freeze conditions, consisting of the steps of: providing aconduit in regions subject to freeze conditions; providing at least onevolume donating compressible filler (VDCF) device, each VDCF deviceconsisting of an elongated closed cell foam core within a braided andwoven layer that can be sealed to provide longitudinal strength and asnag resistant durable and flexible outer coating and a pull end, thenon-conducting and non-water absorbing outer braided and woven layerbeing selected from a synthetic fiber and a naturally made fiber;providing at least one conductive cable within a sleeve, each cable witha pull end; positioning each VDCF device placed side by side with eachconductive cable within the sleeve within a conduit, so that the pullends of each VDCF device and each conductive cable within the sleeve areadjacent to one another; and pulling the adjacent pull ends of each VDCFdevice, and the pull ends of each conductive cable within the sleevethrough the conduit; and reducing volume spacing in the conduit subjectto being damaged by water intrusion which expands during freezeconditions.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the synthetic fiber isselected from the group consisting of polypropylene, nylon, polyester,polyethylene, polyolefin, aramids, acrylics, rayon, polyamide,polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidenechloride, polyurethane, Teflon (polytetraflouroethylene), polyaramid,PEEK (polyether ether ketone), and polyvinylidene fluoride.
 11. Themethod of claim 9, wherein the non-conducting and non water absorbingbraided and woven layer is a natural fiber, selected from the groupconsisting of hemp, cotton, linen, jute, sisal and silk.
 12. The methodof claim 9, further comprising the step of: providing a water sealingand coating layer selected from the group consisting of: non-water basedpolyurethane, water-based polyurethane, urethane, elastomers, vinyl,silicone rubber, acrylic, epoxy, resins, plastic, latex, paraffins,rubber, Styrofoam, tar and combinations thereof.
 13. A system forpreventing freeze damage in power and communication ducts and conduits,consisting of a combination of: at least one volume donatingcompressible filler (VDCF) device consisting of at least one elongatedcylindrical tubular assembly of closed cell foam within a non-conductingand non-water absorbing outer braided layer that can be sealed toprovide longitudinal strength and a snag resistant durable and flexibleouter coating, and a pull end, the non-conducting and non-waterabsorbing outer braided layer being selected from a synthetic fiber anda naturally made fiber; and at least one conductive cable within asleeve, each having a pull end, each VDCF device, being placed side byside with each conductive cable within a sleeve, wherein a cable pullerpulls each pull end of the at least one VDCF device and pulls each pullend of the at least one conductive cable within a sleeve through aconduit that is subject to being damaged by water intrusion whichexpands during freeze conditions.
 14. The system of claim 13, whereinthe non-conducting and non water absorbing braided and woven layer is asynthetic fiber selected from the group consisting of: polypropylene,nylon, polyester, polyethylene, polyolefin, aramids, acrylics, rayon,polyamide, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride,polyvinylidene chloride, polyurethane, Teflon (polytetraflouroethylene),polyaramid, PEEK (polyether ether ketone), and polyvinylidene fluoride.15. The system of claim 13, wherein the non-conducting and non waterabsorbing braided and woven layer is a natural fiber selected from thegroup consisting of hemp, cotton, linen, jute, sisal and silk.
 16. Thesystem of claim 15, further comprising: a water sealing and coatinglayer selected from the group consisting of: non-water basedpolyurethane, water-based polyurethane, urethane, elastomers, vinyl,silicone rubber, acrylic, epoxy, resins, plastic, latex, paraffins,rubber, Styrofoam, tar and combinations thereof.
 17. The system of claim13, wherein the conductive cable in the sleeve is selected from a powercable, a communications cable, metal conductors and optical fibers.